Phoenix Walmart shooting: Employees react

by Laurie Merrill - Apr. 8, 2012 04:02 PMThe Republic | azcentral.com

Shoppers filled carts in the bustling Walmart at 75th Avenue and McDowell Road on Sunday while employees grappled with grief and fear after a beloved colleague was fatally shot during an apparent robbery the day before.

The shooting death of support manager Pete Marquez, a family man who would have turned 48 on Sunday, brought tears to the eyes of employees who set up a flowers-and-candles memorial outside the store and raised funds for the Marquez family inside.

"He was a good person," said stocker Martin Cruz, who added a candle to the memorial near the glass doors at the 24-hour Phoenix store where Marquez was killed. "He was strict at what he did. He liked his job a lot."

"He was a good, loving person," said an employee who would only identify herself as Angela. "He always had a smile on his face, and he was always here before his shift started."

Marquez worked the overnight shift. He had been on a cigarette break in the early hours on Saturday when he heard a radioed report that an armed man had robbed the store and was fleeing with a shopping cart containing cash, police said.

The suspect was racing toward the same door that Marquez was entering when the two suddenly came face to face.

"The suspect raised the gun, fired and shot the man in the chest," Phoenix police Sgt. Tommy Thompson said Saturday.

The suspect grabbed a fist full of dollars and took off on foot into a residential neighborhood. He still had not been apprehended as of Sunday.

"It is our belief, and it often happens, where somebody talks to somebody who talks to somebody who talks to somebody," Thompson said, urging anyone with information to call the police ." It could be two, four, five generations away. We need those tips."

Two Phoenix police officers patrolled the busy store Sunday, but no officers were working extra duty when Marquez was killed, the officers said. In fact, employees said, security was pared down about two months ago, leaving only one security guard on the premises late at night who patrols the parking lot.

"They don't have security officers after 11 p.m.," said Angela. "They have a driver who drives around in the parking lot."

Inside the store Sunday, managers took turns riding a stationary bike to raise money for Marquez's funeral. A large container about half stuffed with dollar bills sat on a table next to a photograph of Marquez and his two daughters, one of whom is also a Walmart employee, and a vase of roses.

As shoppers arrived at cash registers after waiting in lines sometimes 20-people deep, cashiers informed them they could contribute money if they desired.

"I can understand if someone is killed in the line of duty," said Angela. "This is just too sad. He has kids, he has grandkids."

The suspect is described as either a White or Hispanic male, in his 20s or 30s, with a thin build and between 5 feet, 7 inches and 5 feet, 9 inches tall. He was last seen armed with a handgun wearing a dark gray, long-sleeved "hoodie," blue jeans, dark shoes and sunglasses. Thompson said the man might have been wearing a face mask.

Some shoppers Sunday said they would no longer visit the Walmart at night, while others said such an incident could happen anywhere any time.

''We only shop during the day," said shoppers Jesica Flores and Zeke Garnica.

Theresa Juarado, however, said, "It happens everywhere you go. It happens even in nice areas."

Walmart spokesmen could not be reached Sunday to discuss any change in security plans or future plans for adding more guards.

Saturday, Walmart spokeswoman Dianna Gee said the company was working with authorities to help identify the suspect and was offering support to employees as needed.

"We are extremely saddened by what took place," Gee said. "Pete was well respected by his fellow associates. All those that worked with him always appreciated his commitment to family as well as his positive attitude. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this very difficult time. We are in close communications with them, trying to be as supportive as possible as they come to terms with their loss."

Business hours on Sunday were expected to be from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Officials said the store would return to regular 24-hour operations on Monday.

Phoenix police ask anyone with information that may lead to the suspect's whereabouts to call 602 262-6141 or Silent Witness at 480 WITNESS (948-6377).